Figure 2: Script Followed for Instruction on Chemical Weapons Using the Lecture-Discussion
Method
Today we will be discussing chemical weapons. This is an important topic in the world
today, where we must be concerned with forms of modern warfare. Please take notes on the
Note-Taking Sheet you have, and be prepared to discuss the topic and add what you know about
it.
First, we will discuss the important topic of why a nation would develop chemical
weapons.
Second, we need to explore key terms and explanations to discuss this important topic.
To start our discussion, I have already written five words on your Note-Taking Sheet. One is
chemical, a non-living substance. Another is chemical weapon, a liquid, gaseous, or solid
chemical that can cause harm. In our discussion, we also need to know key words such as
antidote, a man-made remedy against the effects of a poison. Atropine is an antidote that is
given before exposure to a nerve gas attack, and pyridostigmine is an antidote that is given after
exposure to a nerve gas attack.
Third, we will explore the topic in greater detail to discover why a nation would develop
chemical weapons by discussing types of chemical weapons. On your Note-Taking Sheet, I have
listed four types of chemical weapons. These are tear gas, mustard gas, blood gas, and nerve
gas.
To explore information about each of these types of chemical weapons, we will talk
about examples and common uses for each as well as effects and defenses against each type of
weapon. Let’s look at each of these areas in order.
An example of tear gas is Coursin-Stroughtin, which we usually just identify with the
initials “CS.” Tear gas is commonly used for riot control. Tear gases are the least harmful of all
the chemical weapons because they cause tears and coughing, but do not usually kill. Its defenses
are to use gas masks or find shelters.
Another type of chemical weapon is mustard gas; an example of mustard gas is chlorine.
Chlorine is commonly used in disinfectants. Mustard gas causes burns or blinds a person. Again,
its defense is to wear masks or find shelter.
Another type of chemical weapon is blood gas, such as hydrogen cyanide. Hydrogen
cyanide is used to make plastics. When used as a chemical weapon, it stops the flow of blood in
the body. It can be defended against by masks or shelter.
An example of a nerve gas is sarin. Just like the other chemical weapons, sarin comes
from ingredients that have common commercial uses; sarin is used to make pesticides. As the
name indicates, a nerve gas kills those exposed to it by blocking nerve impulses. Sarin is very
dangerous and can cause great harm. Even a drop directly on the skin will kill a person.
Nerve gases are a little different from the other chemical weapons we have talked about
in terms of defenses because attempts have been made to develop antidotes. In fact, soldiers have
been given atropine before being exposed to nerve gas. Another antidote called pyridostigmine
has been developed for use after exposure.
However, for the other chemical weapons we have talked about that can be protected only by
masks or shelters, we have few defenses, so the amount of exposure that a person gets
determines how much harm the chemical weapon causes.
Fourth, we need to use all of this information to determine why a country would make
chemical weapons. Let’s discuss. (Elicit discussion to arrive at the answer, “Chemical weapons
are made from common chemicals and have few defenses.”)
Fifth, since we have determined this is a good answer, we can also use it in different
ways. We can find similarities and differences, such as the fact that tear, mustard, and blood
gases are similar in that the amount of harm depends on exposure, but they are different in that
some of them, like CS, disable someone for a short time, but sarin can kill.
Sixth, and finally, we can use this idea as we think about real-world problems. We can
use it to explain how a country might try to defend itself if an inspector found sarin by saying
that it could be used to make pesticides.
Now, let's review. We have talked about different types of chemical weapons such as
tear gas, mustard gas, blood gas, and nerve gas, that is, chemical weapons and examples of each
– CS, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, and sarin. As a result of exploring why a country would make
chemical weapons to engage in modern warfare, we concluded, “Chemical weapons are made
from common chemicals and have few defenses.” We also extended the idea to talk about
similarities and differences, and to answer new questions.
Note: Items in boldface were printed on the Note-Taking sheet provided to students for
taking notes.